A MAN has been raped after accepting a lift in the early hours of the morning.

The 24-year-old victim accepted a lift from a man in a dark saloon car in the Marlborough Crescent area of Newcastle on Monday.

However, shortly afterwards he was taken to the garden area off Skinnerburn Road, directly under Redheugh Bridge, where he was raped at some point between 4am and 6am

Acting Chief Inspector Caroline Ord of Northumbria Police, said: "We're carrying out enquiries into this incident and would ask anyone who has any information about the identity of the man responsible, or who saw a car similar to the one the suspect was driving, to get in contact.

"This was an horrific ordeal for the victim and specially trained officers are working with him to ensure he has the support he needs at this time”.

Any witnesses are asked to ring Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.